Texas CDL Requirements at a Glance

To drive a commercial vehicle in Texas, you need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), which is separate from a regular driver's license. Texas requires you to be at least 18 years old to hold a CDL within the state, though federal rules require you to be 21 to drive across state lines. You must hold a valid Texas driver's license before you can get a CDL, and you cannot hold both a regular license and a CDL at the same time — your CDL replaces it.

The path to a CDL involves three main steps: passing a written knowledge test, passing a skills test (which includes a pre-trip inspection, a basic control test, and a road test), and meeting medical certification requirements. Texas does not require you to attend a commercial driver training school, but many people do because it can make passing the skills test easier and may lower your insurance costs.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid Texas driver's license before you can get a CDL.
  • Texas requires a medical certificate from a certified examiner showing you meet federal health standards for commercial driving.
  • You will take a written knowledge test at a Texas Department of Public Safety office, then schedule a separate skills test with an approved third-party examiner.
  • The skills test includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic control maneuvers, and a road test in an actual commercial vehicle.
  • Training schools are optional but can improve your chances of passing the skills test on your first attempt.

Medical Certification and the CVSA Medical Card

Before you take any CDL test, you must obtain a medical certificate from a doctor certified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This is not optional — Texas will not issue a CDL without proof of medical clearance. The doctor will check your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall health to make sure you can safely operate a commercial vehicle. You can find certified medical examiners through the FMCSA National Registry at their website, or ask your local Texas DPS office for a list.

Once the doctor clears you, you receive a CVSA Medical Card (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance card), which is valid for two years. You must carry this card with you whenever you drive a commercial vehicle. If your medical condition changes or your card expires, you must get recertified before you can continue driving commercially. Some conditions — such as certain heart problems, uncontrolled diabetes, or severe sleep apnea — may disqualify you.

The Written Knowledge Test

The CDL knowledge test is administered by the Texas Department of Public Safety at their driver license offices. You will answer questions about safe driving practices, vehicle control, hazmat (if you want a hazmat endorsement), and other commercial driving rules. The test covers material in the Texas CDL Manual, which you can read free from the DPS website or pick up at any driver license office.

You must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait one day before your next attempt. The test costs money — fees vary by county but typically range from $10 to $20. You can take the test as many times as you need, but each attempt costs the same fee. Many people study the manual for several weeks before testing, especially if they have no commercial driving experience.

The Skills Test: What to Expect

After you pass the written test, you schedule a skills test with a third-party examiner approved by Texas. This is not administered by DPS — it is conducted by private testing companies or some driving schools. The skills test has three parts, all done on the same day, and you must pass all three to get your CDL.

The pre-trip inspection requires you to walk around a commercial vehicle and point out safety features, check lights and brakes, and explain what you are looking for. The basic control test involves maneuvering the vehicle in a closed course — backing up, turning, and parking in tight spaces. The road test

You must bring the commercial vehicle you will be tested in, or the testing company will provide one for a fee (usually $100 to $300). You also need your medical certificate, your written test passing score, and a valid Texas driver's license. If you fail any part of the skills test, you can retake it, but you must schedule a new appointment and pay the testing fee again.

CDL Classes and Endorsements in Texas

Texas issues three classes of CDL based on the vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and what you will be hauling. Class A covers the heaviest vehicles, including tractor-trailers and any combination of vehicles over 26,001 pounds. Class B covers single vehicles over 26,001 pounds, such as large buses or dump trucks. Class C covers smaller commercial vehicles and is rarely used.

You can also add endorsements to your CDL, which allow you to haul specific cargo or operate certain vehicles. The most common are Hazmat (H) for hazardous materials, Tanker (N) for tank vehicles, Doubles/Triples (T) for pulling multiple trailers, and Passenger (P) for buses. Each endorsement requires passing an additional written test. Some endorsements, like Hazmat, also require a background check.

Training Schools and Self-Study Options

You are not required to attend a commercial driver training school in Texas, but many people do. A typical program lasts four to eight weeks and includes classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel training, and help preparing for the knowledge and skills tests. Schools often have their own testing sites or partnerships with third-party examiners, which can speed up scheduling. Some employers will pay for training if you commit to working for them after you get your CDL.

If you choose to study on your own, you can read the Texas CDL Manual from the DPS website and use free online resources to prepare for the written test. For the skills test, you will still need access to a commercial vehicle and may want to hire a private instructor for a few hours to practice backing and maneuvering. Many people find that even a few hours of professional instruction before the skills test significantly improves their chances of passing.

Timeline and Costs

The total time to get a CDL depends on how quickly you prepare and how soon you can schedule tests. Getting a medical certificate takes one to two weeks. Studying for the written test typically takes two to four weeks if you have no commercial experience. Once you pass the written test, scheduling a skills test can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on how many examiners are available in your area.

Costs break down roughly as follows: medical certificate ($100 to $200), written test fee ($10 to $20), skills test fee ($200 to $400), and optional training school ($3,000 to $8,000 if you attend). If you study on your own and pass both tests on your first attempt, you could get a CDL for under $1,000. If you attend a training school, expect to spend $4,000 to $10,000 total.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a CDL if I have a DUI or traffic violations?

A DUI does not automatically disqualify you from getting a CDL in Texas, but it will be on your driving record and may affect your ability to find a job as a commercial driver. Some employers will not hire drivers with recent DUIs. Traffic violations are treated the same way — they do not prevent you from getting a CDL, but they may limit your job prospects.

What happens if I fail the skills test?

You can retake the skills test as many times as you need. You must schedule a new appointment with the testing company and pay the testing fee again. Many people pass on their second or third attempt. If you keep failing, consider hiring a professional instructor for additional practice before your next attempt.

Do I need to renew my CDL?

Yes. Texas CDLs are valid for five years, and you must renew them at a DPS driver license office before they expire. You will need to pass a new medical certificate and may need to retake the written test, depending on your age and driving record. Your medical certificate must be current at the time of renewal.

Can I get a CDL with a commercial driving school diploma instead of taking the skills test?

No. Even if you attend a training school, you must still pass the official written knowledge test and the skills test with a third-party examiner approved by Texas. Some schools offer testing on-site, but the test itself is the same one everyone takes.

What if I move to another state after getting my Texas CDL?

Your Texas CDL is valid in all other states. If you move and want to get a CDL from your new state, you will need to transfer your license to that state's DMV. You may not need to retake the tests, depending on the state's rules, but you should contact your new state's licensing office to find out what is required.